Striker tussle looming as Dutch face Ecuador

The contest between Ecuador striker Enner Valencia and Netherlands forward Memphis Depay could help decide who wins their match at the World Cup today.

The two forwards have different styles — Valencia is more powerful and direct, Depay more subtle and skilled — but are equally important to their sides. A win for either team would move it onto six points and put it in command of Group A with one game to play.

Valencia scored both of his side’s goals in the first half when it beat tournament host Qatar 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game, taking his international tally to 37 and extending his record as La Tri’s all-time leading scorer.

Although he came off against Qatar after taking a knock to his knee, coach Gustavo Alfaro says “Enner will play against the Netherlands, there is no doubt about that.”

Making an impact

Returning from a nagging hamstring injury, Depay came on in the second half to spark the attack as the Dutch scored two late goals to beat Senegal 2-0.

Although Depay could again be decisive off the bench, he’ll be hoping coach Louis van Gaal gives him a starting place.

After all, the 28-yearold Depay played a massive part in helping his nation qualify, netting 12 goals and six assists. No other European player had more goals and assists combined.

“He is a player who can make the difference,” Van Gaal said. “He will want to play, but I have to assess his form.”